August 2022 |
All text by Zorek Richards
unless otherwise noted |
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Those promoting Christian nationalism are not only showing their lack of faith in the power of God in their lives and the world, but are actually hurting the witness of Christianity to the power of God. They hurt others and the world by hiding God’s power in the many failures of Christians. A Christian shares concern for the nation with everyone of good will. The best preservative for a nation is justice in which everyone is treated equally and with dignity. That means equal access to the land, equal opportunities to education, and equal opportunities to vote. Justice also demands that governments be governed by the consent of the governed. This is the basic requirement of democracies. The task of Christians is not to control nations, but to advocate for justice in nations. --Rev. Dr. Robert L. Montgomery; Presbyterian minister
Aug 15, 2022: The Hill: Juan Williams: The GOP’s sad embrace of Christian nationalism
“We’re not bending the knee to the two percent anymore,” said Andrew Torba, founder of the right-wing-friendly social platform Gab, referring to Jewish people in the United States.
Gab is characterized by CNN as “a haven for QAnon conspiracies, misinformation and antisemitic commentary.” The platform was paid a “consulting” fee by Doug Mastriano, the Republican running for governor in Pennsylvania.
Mastriano downplays his ties to Toba. He has said, “I reject anti-Semitism in any form”. But he has campaigned by pledging that “we are going to take our state back, my God will make it so.”
“We’re not bending the knee to the two percent anymore,” said Andrew Torba, founder of the right-wing-friendly social platform Gab, referring to Jewish people in the United States.
Gab is characterized by CNN as “a haven for QAnon conspiracies, misinformation and antisemitic commentary.” The platform was paid a “consulting” fee by Doug Mastriano, the Republican running for governor in Pennsylvania.
Mastriano downplays his ties to Toba. He has said, “I reject anti-Semitism in any form”. But he has campaigned by pledging that “we are going to take our state back, my God will make it so.”
Aug. 14, 2022: Daily Beast: I’m a Cradle Catholic. I Don’t Want Christian Nationalism in My Church.
There is no doubt that the trad-Cath movement is metastasizing and often dovetailing with Christian nationalism through the shared notion that “Western civilization” is at risk. In a 2014 speech at the Vatican, longtime trad-Cath Steve Bannon told attendees, “I believe the world, and particularly the Judeo-Christian West, is in a crisis.”
This fearmongering that “Western civilization” is under threat is a favorite talking point of Christian nationalists (not at all a new idea in America but one with a new set of spokespersons). The former GOP Rep. Steve King, an outspoken Christian and nationalist, was thrown off his committees after complaining to The New York Times, “white nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization—how did that language become offensive?” Tucker Carlson, another Christian and nationalist has claimed the Black Lives Matter movement aims to “challenge Western civilization” and that “Western civilization is [George Soros’] target.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene—who rose to power and infamy as a QAnon-supporting GOP firebrand—has spent the past few months telling audiences that she’s a “Christian nationalist.” MTG, a megachurch-goer, is emblematic of the Christian nationalist movement which has been building in this country for decades, but coalesced behind Trump.
This vein of Christian nationalism was on display during the Jan. 6 Capitol attack—after storming onto the Senate floor, one of the rioters shouted “Jesus Christ, we invoke your name!” Moments later the group removed their hats as another prayed through a bullhorn: “Thank you heavenly father for being the inspiration needed…to allow us to send a message to all the tyrants, the communists and the globalists that this is our nation, not theirs.” The Jesus Christ invoked by the would-be insurrectionists is the Jesus of the Christian nationalists.
There is no doubt that the trad-Cath movement is metastasizing and often dovetailing with Christian nationalism through the shared notion that “Western civilization” is at risk. In a 2014 speech at the Vatican, longtime trad-Cath Steve Bannon told attendees, “I believe the world, and particularly the Judeo-Christian West, is in a crisis.”
This fearmongering that “Western civilization” is under threat is a favorite talking point of Christian nationalists (not at all a new idea in America but one with a new set of spokespersons). The former GOP Rep. Steve King, an outspoken Christian and nationalist, was thrown off his committees after complaining to The New York Times, “white nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization—how did that language become offensive?” Tucker Carlson, another Christian and nationalist has claimed the Black Lives Matter movement aims to “challenge Western civilization” and that “Western civilization is [George Soros’] target.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene—who rose to power and infamy as a QAnon-supporting GOP firebrand—has spent the past few months telling audiences that she’s a “Christian nationalist.” MTG, a megachurch-goer, is emblematic of the Christian nationalist movement which has been building in this country for decades, but coalesced behind Trump.
This vein of Christian nationalism was on display during the Jan. 6 Capitol attack—after storming onto the Senate floor, one of the rioters shouted “Jesus Christ, we invoke your name!” Moments later the group removed their hats as another prayed through a bullhorn: “Thank you heavenly father for being the inspiration needed…to allow us to send a message to all the tyrants, the communists and the globalists that this is our nation, not theirs.” The Jesus Christ invoked by the would-be insurrectionists is the Jesus of the Christian nationalists.
Are you a Christian nationalist simply because you believe that God raised up America for special purposes in order to bless and help the world? No.
But you are a Christian nationalist if you confuse loyalty to your country with loyalty to the kingdom of God.
You are a Christian nationalist if you wrap the gospel in an American flag.
You are a Christian nationalist if you 'merge Christian and American identities.'"
That’s why recent comments by GAB CEO Andrew Torba have raised eyebrows and confirmed the worst suspicions about Christian nationalism, being quoted by outlets such as the Jerusalem Post and further fueling the fires of far-left websites such as Right Wing Watch.
As Torba said with reference to a Republican candidate he backed, “We are going to build a coalition of Christian nationalists, of Christians, of Christian candidates, at the state, local and federal levels and we’re going to take this country back for the glory of God.”
And, what exactly, will this look like? What will it mean to “take the country back for the glory of God,” a sentiment that, in itself, can sound very positive to many Christians?
Torba explained, “We don’t want people who are atheists. We don’t want people who are Jewish. We don’t want people who are, you know, nonbelievers, agnostic, whatever. This is an explicitly Christian movement because this is an explicitly Christian country. We’re not saying we’re going to deport all these people or whatever. You’re free to stay here. You’re not going to be forced to convert or anything like this because that’s not biblical whatsoever. But you’re going to enjoy the fruits of living in a Christian society under Christian laws and under a Christian culture and you can thank us later.”
He also said, “You degenerate pagans and atheists and non-believers went way too far with the COVID nonsense, with shutting down our churches and forcing our kids to be masked, and forcing us to get vaccinated with some mystery goop in order to keep our jobs and provide for our families. You pushed us too far, and now we’re going to take dominion of this country, of our culture, of news, of entertainment, of technology, of education, of everything for the glory of Jesus Christ, our king. It’s just that simple.” Aug 13, 2022: Michael Brown: Is Christian Nationalism Dangerous?
But you are a Christian nationalist if you confuse loyalty to your country with loyalty to the kingdom of God.
You are a Christian nationalist if you wrap the gospel in an American flag.
You are a Christian nationalist if you 'merge Christian and American identities.'"
That’s why recent comments by GAB CEO Andrew Torba have raised eyebrows and confirmed the worst suspicions about Christian nationalism, being quoted by outlets such as the Jerusalem Post and further fueling the fires of far-left websites such as Right Wing Watch.
As Torba said with reference to a Republican candidate he backed, “We are going to build a coalition of Christian nationalists, of Christians, of Christian candidates, at the state, local and federal levels and we’re going to take this country back for the glory of God.”
And, what exactly, will this look like? What will it mean to “take the country back for the glory of God,” a sentiment that, in itself, can sound very positive to many Christians?
Torba explained, “We don’t want people who are atheists. We don’t want people who are Jewish. We don’t want people who are, you know, nonbelievers, agnostic, whatever. This is an explicitly Christian movement because this is an explicitly Christian country. We’re not saying we’re going to deport all these people or whatever. You’re free to stay here. You’re not going to be forced to convert or anything like this because that’s not biblical whatsoever. But you’re going to enjoy the fruits of living in a Christian society under Christian laws and under a Christian culture and you can thank us later.”
He also said, “You degenerate pagans and atheists and non-believers went way too far with the COVID nonsense, with shutting down our churches and forcing our kids to be masked, and forcing us to get vaccinated with some mystery goop in order to keep our jobs and provide for our families. You pushed us too far, and now we’re going to take dominion of this country, of our culture, of news, of entertainment, of technology, of education, of everything for the glory of Jesus Christ, our king. It’s just that simple.” Aug 13, 2022: Michael Brown: Is Christian Nationalism Dangerous?
Aug 13, 2022: Livingston County News: Counter-message: Faith leaders speak against Christian nationalism at Batavia protest
Executive Director Rev. Nathan Empsall of Faithful America said Christian nationalism is defined by researchers and academics as a cultural framework and political ideology.
“Christian nationalism is the merging of the national American identity with a religious identity, making them one and the same,” said Empsall, explaining Christian nationalists believe you aren’t a true American unless you are a conservative Christian. “The hallmark phrase of Christian nationalism is that America is a Christian nation. That’s not true of course. We’re a pluralistic nation — we are all free to worship.”
Empsall said the ReAwaken America Tour is the worst example of Christian nationalism since the Jan. 6 insurrection. He said the goal of Christian nationalism isn’t to follow Jesus — it’s to seize political power at any cost, no matter who you hurt along the way.
“It’s a typical authoritarian movement in this regard,” Empsall said. “Its goal is power for its followers, power for the ‘chosen nation’ the conservative Christians, hence one religion. How far are they willing to go to seize and hold that power? We saw this on Jan. 6.”
Executive Director Rev. Nathan Empsall of Faithful America said Christian nationalism is defined by researchers and academics as a cultural framework and political ideology.
“Christian nationalism is the merging of the national American identity with a religious identity, making them one and the same,” said Empsall, explaining Christian nationalists believe you aren’t a true American unless you are a conservative Christian. “The hallmark phrase of Christian nationalism is that America is a Christian nation. That’s not true of course. We’re a pluralistic nation — we are all free to worship.”
Empsall said the ReAwaken America Tour is the worst example of Christian nationalism since the Jan. 6 insurrection. He said the goal of Christian nationalism isn’t to follow Jesus — it’s to seize political power at any cost, no matter who you hurt along the way.
“It’s a typical authoritarian movement in this regard,” Empsall said. “Its goal is power for its followers, power for the ‘chosen nation’ the conservative Christians, hence one religion. How far are they willing to go to seize and hold that power? We saw this on Jan. 6.”
Aug 12, 2022: Word and Way: Religious Leaders Protest Michael Flynn’s Christian Nationalism
On Friday, a group of religious leaders met outside First Baptist Church in Batavia, New York, to denounce the arrival of General Michael Flynn’s ReAwaken America Tour. Hosted by Flynn, Eric Trump, Clay Clark, Mike Lindell, and other notable conservative figures, the tour arrived earlier that day at nearby Cornerstone Church for a two-day event.
What made this different from previous events put on by the group Faithful America is that the leaders speaking out against Christian nationalism came from both within and outside of Christianity. Local Presbyterian pastor Roula Alkhouri served as the moderator for Rev. Nathan Empsall from Faithful America, Rev. Dr. Shiela Campbell McCullough from the New York State Council of Churches, Rabbi Drorah Setel from Temple Emanu-El, pastor Doug Pagitt from Vote Common Good, Sareer Fazili from Pittsford Youth Services and the Barakah Muslim Charity, and Rev. Jennifer Butler from Faith in Public Life.
On Friday, a group of religious leaders met outside First Baptist Church in Batavia, New York, to denounce the arrival of General Michael Flynn’s ReAwaken America Tour. Hosted by Flynn, Eric Trump, Clay Clark, Mike Lindell, and other notable conservative figures, the tour arrived earlier that day at nearby Cornerstone Church for a two-day event.
What made this different from previous events put on by the group Faithful America is that the leaders speaking out against Christian nationalism came from both within and outside of Christianity. Local Presbyterian pastor Roula Alkhouri served as the moderator for Rev. Nathan Empsall from Faithful America, Rev. Dr. Shiela Campbell McCullough from the New York State Council of Churches, Rabbi Drorah Setel from Temple Emanu-El, pastor Doug Pagitt from Vote Common Good, Sareer Fazili from Pittsford Youth Services and the Barakah Muslim Charity, and Rev. Jennifer Butler from Faith in Public Life.
Aug 12, 2022; Crisis Magazine: Is Christian Nationalism An Existential Threat to the Republic?
At surface, “Christian Nationalism” is a term of relatively recent vintage that is a mash-up of two words that can have vastly different meanings. Depending on whom one asks, “Christian” can apply to beliefs of the “spiritual but not religious” as well as the Bishop of Rome.
Likewise, “Nationalism” can apply equally to beliefs of the patriot and the fascist. To the former, it is the ideal that nations should be a self-governing body of citizens with a set of cultural norms sustained by traditional liberal values like liberty, equality, and freedom. To the latter, it’s the exclusion from that ideal of certain people groups because of ethnicity, race, religion, or country of origin.
At surface, “Christian Nationalism” is a term of relatively recent vintage that is a mash-up of two words that can have vastly different meanings. Depending on whom one asks, “Christian” can apply to beliefs of the “spiritual but not religious” as well as the Bishop of Rome.
Likewise, “Nationalism” can apply equally to beliefs of the patriot and the fascist. To the former, it is the ideal that nations should be a self-governing body of citizens with a set of cultural norms sustained by traditional liberal values like liberty, equality, and freedom. To the latter, it’s the exclusion from that ideal of certain people groups because of ethnicity, race, religion, or country of origin.
Aug 12, 2022: Christian nationalists aren’t trying to escape conditions of oppression so they can freely live out their values in a society and culture that is not hostile to them. Rather, they are trying to impose their value system on others and make it the law of land, making other ways of life, cultural ways of being, illegal and punishable. For example, it’s not enough for themselves to be able to decide they don’t want an abortion; they have to outlaw abortion for everyone and deprive all women control over their bodies and reproductive health. It’s not enough for them to be able to practice their distorted brand of the Christian faith freely as they choose; they have to insist on its supremacy within U.S. culture, have it infuse the laws that apply to all, and devalue and even seek to ban the religious practices of others. It’s not enough for them to eschew same-sex love and marriage or define their gender identities in binary ways, they have to deny others the legal right to love and marry as they choose and to define their identities in non-binary ways. Politicusa: Tim Libretti: Opinion: How to Deal with Christian Nationalists? Let them Secede and Tyrannize Over Themselves
White nationalism was thrust into the national spotlight, magnified when then-President Donald Trump was asked to comment on the white supremacist-initiated violence, and he infamously stated that there were "very fine people on both sides," referring to both the anti-racists and the White nationalists.
“That they existed was itself nothing new. What was new, however, was the GOP’s recognition of the nascent era of Trumpian conservatism as an opportunity to both cement and capitalize on those shared interests more concretely than anytime since the 1960s,” Rafi Schwartz recently wrote.
For many Americans, Charlottesville was the first encounter with the boldness and reality of white supremacists taking to the streets. And while Unite the Right didn’t actually unite the right it, coupled with the election of Donald Trump, accelerated the rise of right-wing terrorism as a major threat. Aug 11, 2022: Daily Kos: Five Years After Charlottesville, the White/Christian Nationalist Right is More Toxic Than Ever
“That they existed was itself nothing new. What was new, however, was the GOP’s recognition of the nascent era of Trumpian conservatism as an opportunity to both cement and capitalize on those shared interests more concretely than anytime since the 1960s,” Rafi Schwartz recently wrote.
For many Americans, Charlottesville was the first encounter with the boldness and reality of white supremacists taking to the streets. And while Unite the Right didn’t actually unite the right it, coupled with the election of Donald Trump, accelerated the rise of right-wing terrorism as a major threat. Aug 11, 2022: Daily Kos: Five Years After Charlottesville, the White/Christian Nationalist Right is More Toxic Than Ever
Aug 10, 2022: Baptist News Global: Christian nationalism is a danger to our nation
It is time to defend Christianity from Christian nationalists.
This term distorts the message of Jesus and endangers one of the basic liberties provided to every American in the Bill of Rights. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) recently gave voice to this movement when she asserted that “the church should direct the government. The government is not supposed to direct the church. … I’m tired of this separation of church and state junk.”
It is time to defend Christianity from Christian nationalists.
This term distorts the message of Jesus and endangers one of the basic liberties provided to every American in the Bill of Rights. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) recently gave voice to this movement when she asserted that “the church should direct the government. The government is not supposed to direct the church. … I’m tired of this separation of church and state junk.”
Politicians are increasingly promoting Christian nationalism. Politics reporter Ella Lee tells producer PJ Elliott what that is exactly and some of the history of ideology in American politics.
Ella Lee:
Christian nationalism is essentially this idea that America was founded by Christians as a Christian nation and that all of its institutions and all of its laws are based on Christianity. That's playing into American politics because a lot of, or several rather, conservative politicians have been using the term lately and convoluting it almost with the idea of just being a Christian, in general, and saying that anyone who is a Christian should be okay with being called a Christian nationalist. But those two ideas aren't really the same. Aug 10, 2022: USA Today: Trump huddles with House Republicans after FBI search, lack of Latina CEOs: 5 Things podcast
Ella Lee:
Christian nationalism is essentially this idea that America was founded by Christians as a Christian nation and that all of its institutions and all of its laws are based on Christianity. That's playing into American politics because a lot of, or several rather, conservative politicians have been using the term lately and convoluting it almost with the idea of just being a Christian, in general, and saying that anyone who is a Christian should be okay with being called a Christian nationalist. But those two ideas aren't really the same. Aug 10, 2022: USA Today: Trump huddles with House Republicans after FBI search, lack of Latina CEOs: 5 Things podcast
Christian nationalism is not about the Christ of Christianity, it is a political ideology about American identity, Christianity Today asserts. It is not drawn from the Bible but draws political theory from secular philosophy and their own view of history.
The initiatives to rewrite American history, scrubbing the stain of atrocities from the pages and presenting an aseptic version, purportedly to shield today’s students from offense and guilt, is borne out of Christian Nationalist ideology. Their quest is for power, not Bible principles to shape the character of America. August 10, 2022: Norman Franklin: The Confusing Image of Christianity
The initiatives to rewrite American history, scrubbing the stain of atrocities from the pages and presenting an aseptic version, purportedly to shield today’s students from offense and guilt, is borne out of Christian Nationalist ideology. Their quest is for power, not Bible principles to shape the character of America. August 10, 2022: Norman Franklin: The Confusing Image of Christianity
Aug 6, 2022: Only Sky: GOP lawmaker falsely claims ‘Most Americans’ are Christian nationalists
During her appearance at the right-wing CPAC conference yesterday, conspiracy theorist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was asked about the phrase “Christian nationalist.” She insisted, falsely, that “most Americans” were Christian nationalists like her.
During her appearance at the right-wing CPAC conference yesterday, conspiracy theorist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was asked about the phrase “Christian nationalist.” She insisted, falsely, that “most Americans” were Christian nationalists like her.
Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican from Colorado, recently said, “The church is supposed to direct the government. The government is not supposed to direct the church.” Boebert called the separation of church and state “junk.”
Many Christian nationalists repeat conservative activist David Barton’s argument that the Founding Fathers did not intend to keep religion out of government.
As a scholar of racism and communication who has written about white nationalism during the Trump presidency, I find the amplification of Christian nationalism unsurprising. Christian nationalism is prevalent among Trump supporters, as religion scholars Andrew Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry argue in their book “Taking Back America for God.”..............The catalyst for the growth of militia activity among contemporary Christian nationalists stems from two events: the 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff and the 1993 siege at Waco.
At Ruby Ridge, former Army Green Beret Randy Weaver engaged federal law enforcement in an 11-day standoff at his rural Idaho cabin over charges relating to the sale of sawed-off shotguns to an ATF informant investigating Aryan Nation white supremacist militia meetings................In the Waco siege a year later, cult leader David Koresh and his followers entered a standoff with federal law enforcement at the group’s Texas compound, once again concerning weapons charges. After a 51-day standoff, federal law enforcement laid siege to the compound. A fire took hold at the compound in disputed circumstances, leading to the deaths of 76 people, including Koresh.
Aug. 6, 2022: KRQE:After Trump, Christian nationalist ideas are going mainstream – despite a history of violence
Many Christian nationalists repeat conservative activist David Barton’s argument that the Founding Fathers did not intend to keep religion out of government.
As a scholar of racism and communication who has written about white nationalism during the Trump presidency, I find the amplification of Christian nationalism unsurprising. Christian nationalism is prevalent among Trump supporters, as religion scholars Andrew Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry argue in their book “Taking Back America for God.”..............The catalyst for the growth of militia activity among contemporary Christian nationalists stems from two events: the 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff and the 1993 siege at Waco.
At Ruby Ridge, former Army Green Beret Randy Weaver engaged federal law enforcement in an 11-day standoff at his rural Idaho cabin over charges relating to the sale of sawed-off shotguns to an ATF informant investigating Aryan Nation white supremacist militia meetings................In the Waco siege a year later, cult leader David Koresh and his followers entered a standoff with federal law enforcement at the group’s Texas compound, once again concerning weapons charges. After a 51-day standoff, federal law enforcement laid siege to the compound. A fire took hold at the compound in disputed circumstances, leading to the deaths of 76 people, including Koresh.
Aug. 6, 2022: KRQE:After Trump, Christian nationalist ideas are going mainstream – despite a history of violence
Aug 6, 2022:
In an exchange on Twitter with someone pushing Christion Nationalism someone gave this definition:
"The Christian worldview is that every inch of the world belongs to Jesus. Here is Christian nationalism: every person in every nation will eventually bend the knee before Christ."
It's a rather seductive twist of scripture. He is right that every knee shal bow and tongue confess...but they will be confessing that Jesus is Lord. They will realize when they step out into eternity....and for many it will be too late.
Making a Nation a theocracy will not bring people to their knees before Jesus. More likely, and my observation, it will have the opposite affect. The blood of Jesus can create new lives In Him which will last forever. The blood brought about by Christian Nationalists will most likely destroy forever.
CPAC is now embracing Christian Nationalism. My governor was a guest speaker. We live in what could be a dangerous time for a lot of people as these things are happening across the globe (i.e, the Hungarian Christian Nationalist who wants to join with American Christian nationalists). In a million years I never would have guessed that people who call themselves "Christian" would be the ones that could quite possibly aid in ringing in the apocalypse.
In an exchange on Twitter with someone pushing Christion Nationalism someone gave this definition:
"The Christian worldview is that every inch of the world belongs to Jesus. Here is Christian nationalism: every person in every nation will eventually bend the knee before Christ."
It's a rather seductive twist of scripture. He is right that every knee shal bow and tongue confess...but they will be confessing that Jesus is Lord. They will realize when they step out into eternity....and for many it will be too late.
Making a Nation a theocracy will not bring people to their knees before Jesus. More likely, and my observation, it will have the opposite affect. The blood of Jesus can create new lives In Him which will last forever. The blood brought about by Christian Nationalists will most likely destroy forever.
CPAC is now embracing Christian Nationalism. My governor was a guest speaker. We live in what could be a dangerous time for a lot of people as these things are happening across the globe (i.e, the Hungarian Christian Nationalist who wants to join with American Christian nationalists). In a million years I never would have guessed that people who call themselves "Christian" would be the ones that could quite possibly aid in ringing in the apocalypse.
Aug. 5, 2022: Slate: “Christian Nationalism” Used to Be Taboo. Now It’s All the Rage.
Al Mohler, the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, called Christian nationalism “idolatrous” and pushed back on the idea that evangelical Christianity was linked to what had happened at the Capitol.
“Nationalism is always a clear and present danger,” he wrote a week after the insurrection. But linking it to “American evangelical Christianity,” he said, was an unfair “accusation.”
By this summer, Mohler had updated his thinking.
Speaking on his podcast on June 15, the theologian said: “We have the left routinely speaking of me and of others as Christian nationalists, as if we’re supposed to be running from that.” He added: “I’m not about to run from that.”
Mohler is not alone in changing his tune. Far-right politicians are warming to the label, too.
Al Mohler, the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, called Christian nationalism “idolatrous” and pushed back on the idea that evangelical Christianity was linked to what had happened at the Capitol.
“Nationalism is always a clear and present danger,” he wrote a week after the insurrection. But linking it to “American evangelical Christianity,” he said, was an unfair “accusation.”
By this summer, Mohler had updated his thinking.
Speaking on his podcast on June 15, the theologian said: “We have the left routinely speaking of me and of others as Christian nationalists, as if we’re supposed to be running from that.” He added: “I’m not about to run from that.”
Mohler is not alone in changing his tune. Far-right politicians are warming to the label, too.
Aug 4, 2022: Religion News Service: How to answer when Christian nationalists embrace the label as a badge of honor
(RNS) — Last week, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia responded to those who had called her a “Christian nationalist.” Rather than disavow the term, however, she took it as a badge of honor. “I am being attacked by the godless left because I said I’m a proud Christian Nationalist,” she wrote on Twitter. “These evil people are even calling me a Nazi because I proudly love my country and my God.”
Greene’s characterization of her critics as “the godless left,” of course, ignores the broad swath of Christians who condemn Christian nationalism. The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, to pick one group, has run the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign since 2019, with endorsers from several large denominations.
(RNS) — Last week, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia responded to those who had called her a “Christian nationalist.” Rather than disavow the term, however, she took it as a badge of honor. “I am being attacked by the godless left because I said I’m a proud Christian Nationalist,” she wrote on Twitter. “These evil people are even calling me a Nazi because I proudly love my country and my God.”
Greene’s characterization of her critics as “the godless left,” of course, ignores the broad swath of Christians who condemn Christian nationalism. The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, to pick one group, has run the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign since 2019, with endorsers from several large denominations.
God doesn’t bend us to His will using violence, coercion and force. He bends us to His will by loving us to the point of his own death – even to death on a cross.
But the Christian nationalist would try to impose the kingdom of God through politics. If we’re going to have this mythical Christian nation, it will become necessary to force people to comply with “God’s law.”
There is no doubt that Christian nationalists could seize political power and force people to behave according to their dictates — to some degree. But it still wouldn’t be a “Christian nation.” Power and force only go so far. You can punish people for sexual immorality. You can outlaw divorce. You can crack down on all manner of “unchristian” behavior. But you can’t compel somebody to love their neighbor. And you can’t beat somebody into loving God.
Focusing on outward behavior and imposing some type of theonomy might make society look different. But you will ultimately end up with a whitewashed tomb.
The Kingdom of God stands apart from the kingdoms of this world. The “Christian nation” is the church universal — not America, or Germany, or even Israel. Christian nation-building is not a political project.
If you want a Christian nation, make disciples. Aug 3, 2022: Richmond Observer; OPINION: Marshall Maharrey; The Christian Nation: A project doomed to fail
But the Christian nationalist would try to impose the kingdom of God through politics. If we’re going to have this mythical Christian nation, it will become necessary to force people to comply with “God’s law.”
There is no doubt that Christian nationalists could seize political power and force people to behave according to their dictates — to some degree. But it still wouldn’t be a “Christian nation.” Power and force only go so far. You can punish people for sexual immorality. You can outlaw divorce. You can crack down on all manner of “unchristian” behavior. But you can’t compel somebody to love their neighbor. And you can’t beat somebody into loving God.
Focusing on outward behavior and imposing some type of theonomy might make society look different. But you will ultimately end up with a whitewashed tomb.
The Kingdom of God stands apart from the kingdoms of this world. The “Christian nation” is the church universal — not America, or Germany, or even Israel. Christian nation-building is not a political project.
If you want a Christian nation, make disciples. Aug 3, 2022: Richmond Observer; OPINION: Marshall Maharrey; The Christian Nation: A project doomed to fail
The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism by Paul D. Miller (InterVarsity Press, 2022), 304 pages.
Miller defines Christian nationalism as believing “there is something identifiable as an American ‘nation,’ distinct from other nations; that American nationhood is and should remain defined by Christianity or Christian cultural norms; and that the American people and their government should actively work to defend, sustain, and cultivate America’s Christian culture, heritage, and values.” He cites three foundational tenets of all nationalists: (1) humanity is divided into cultural units that can be called nations; (2) nations should have their own states; and (3) governments should have jurisdiction over the cultural life of the nation. He adds two more he says are distinct for American Christian nationalists: (4) America’s culture was and is Anglo-Protestant; and (5) Anglo-Protestant culture is a precondition for the American experiment’s success.
Miller defines Christian nationalism as believing “there is something identifiable as an American ‘nation,’ distinct from other nations; that American nationhood is and should remain defined by Christianity or Christian cultural norms; and that the American people and their government should actively work to defend, sustain, and cultivate America’s Christian culture, heritage, and values.” He cites three foundational tenets of all nationalists: (1) humanity is divided into cultural units that can be called nations; (2) nations should have their own states; and (3) governments should have jurisdiction over the cultural life of the nation. He adds two more he says are distinct for American Christian nationalists: (4) America’s culture was and is Anglo-Protestant; and (5) Anglo-Protestant culture is a precondition for the American experiment’s success.
Aug 3, 2022: New York Times Opinion | What’s God Got to Do With It? The Rise of Christian Nationalism in American Politics.
Stewart feels that the movement is paving the way to something with graver consequence. “This is a movement that wants to promote theocratic policies,” she says. “But theocracy is really not the end point. It’s sort of a means to an end, which is authoritarianism.” McCaulley agrees the danger is real. But to him, there’s a place for faith-informed arguments in the public square. “When you try to enforce your religion as the base of your argument and the sole way of being a good American, that’s Christian nationalism,” he says. “And when you’re saying, well, hold on, here is a value that I want to advocate for, perhaps this is my best presentation of the issue, let’s vote and let society decide — I think that’s the best that you can hope for.”
Stewart feels that the movement is paving the way to something with graver consequence. “This is a movement that wants to promote theocratic policies,” she says. “But theocracy is really not the end point. It’s sort of a means to an end, which is authoritarianism.” McCaulley agrees the danger is real. But to him, there’s a place for faith-informed arguments in the public square. “When you try to enforce your religion as the base of your argument and the sole way of being a good American, that’s Christian nationalism,” he says. “And when you’re saying, well, hold on, here is a value that I want to advocate for, perhaps this is my best presentation of the issue, let’s vote and let society decide — I think that’s the best that you can hope for.”
No Americans want others imposing their religious values upon them.
Yet we have a movement within the Republican Party known as Christian nationalism that seeks to do just that.
In spite of our secular Constitution, this group seeks to impose one religion on all citizens through government actions and edicts. That is simply un-American.
The same folks who tout Christian nationalism are fervently opposed to the Taliban, and rightly so. Yet what is really the difference? Both groups seek to impose a religion on others who do not want or agree with it.
Our country’s founders did not seek to establish a state religion. After all, that was one of the worst things that they were fleeing from in England.
In Article 11 of the 1805 Treaty of Tripoli, signed by President Thomas Jefferson, it stated: “The Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”
Read the excellent book, “The Founding Myth,” by Andrew Seidel for many more examples.
Only a massive voter turnout against Republicans in November can stop this kind of madness.
--Letter to Herald Tribune Aug 3, 2022
Yet we have a movement within the Republican Party known as Christian nationalism that seeks to do just that.
In spite of our secular Constitution, this group seeks to impose one religion on all citizens through government actions and edicts. That is simply un-American.
The same folks who tout Christian nationalism are fervently opposed to the Taliban, and rightly so. Yet what is really the difference? Both groups seek to impose a religion on others who do not want or agree with it.
Our country’s founders did not seek to establish a state religion. After all, that was one of the worst things that they were fleeing from in England.
In Article 11 of the 1805 Treaty of Tripoli, signed by President Thomas Jefferson, it stated: “The Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”
Read the excellent book, “The Founding Myth,” by Andrew Seidel for many more examples.
Only a massive voter turnout against Republicans in November can stop this kind of madness.
--Letter to Herald Tribune Aug 3, 2022
Aug 2, 2022: Real News Network: THE WHITE IDENTITY POLITICS OF CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
Most Americans were shocked by the violence they witnessed at the nation’s Capital on January 6th, 2021,” as the description of Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry’s new book, The Flag and the Cross, notes. “And many were bewildered by the images displayed by the insurrectionists: a wooden cross and wooden gallows; “Jesus saves” and “Don’t Tread on Me;” Christian flags and Confederate Flags; even a prayer in Jesus’ name after storming the Senate chamber. Where some saw a confusing jumble,” though, Gorski and Perry “saw a familiar ideology: white Christian nationalism.” In this episode of The Marc Steiner Show, Marc speaks with Gorski and Perry about their book, the white identity politics of Christian nationalism, and the deep political roots of today’s reactionary Christian right.
Most Americans were shocked by the violence they witnessed at the nation’s Capital on January 6th, 2021,” as the description of Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry’s new book, The Flag and the Cross, notes. “And many were bewildered by the images displayed by the insurrectionists: a wooden cross and wooden gallows; “Jesus saves” and “Don’t Tread on Me;” Christian flags and Confederate Flags; even a prayer in Jesus’ name after storming the Senate chamber. Where some saw a confusing jumble,” though, Gorski and Perry “saw a familiar ideology: white Christian nationalism.” In this episode of The Marc Steiner Show, Marc speaks with Gorski and Perry about their book, the white identity politics of Christian nationalism, and the deep political roots of today’s reactionary Christian right.
Aug 2, 2022: Only Sky: Thousands of Christians criticize Greene’s call for Christian nationalism
Almost 15,000 Christians have signed an online petition which harshly criticizes Greene’s efforts to promote Christian nationalism in government. The group that launched the petition, Faithful America, calls itself an online community of Christians working together for social justice.
Almost 15,000 Christians have signed an online petition which harshly criticizes Greene’s efforts to promote Christian nationalism in government. The group that launched the petition, Faithful America, calls itself an online community of Christians working together for social justice.
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